Figure 8.
Amplitude image from AC mode scanning with a cantilever spring constant of 2.6 N/m, a free amplitude of 7.9 × 10−15 m, and a Set Point of 23.2 nN. The free amplitude output from the instrument’s software was known to be below the system’s noise level, measuring in the femtoscale. This value was confirmed with testing of other cantilevers. (A) Before contact mode movement of AuNPs, with three AuNPs highlighted by white circles, (B) post-AuNP movement, with the white circles in the same position as the surface in (A). The AuNPs have been shifted by the cantilever tip scanned in contact mode (C,D). These are magnified regions highlighted by white circles showing permanent indentation in the MePPOx substrate after removing the AuNP.